On the record
The masses of men are not better than their laws, and, whatever may be the eminence of individual virtue, it is not reasonable to infer that the body of slave-masters is better than the Law of Slavery.
Source
gutenberg.orgCharles Sumner: “The masses of men are not better than their laws, and, whatever may be the eminence of individual virtue, it is not…”
Editor's note · Context
Sumner argues that the morality of individuals cannot be separated from the laws they uphold.
Share
More from Charles Sumner
Slave Power, necessity of political action against the, II. 207.
Early testimony of the Church against, I. 59.
Opening of United States courts to colored, XI. 389.
Contrary to Christianity, but upheld by the Church, I. 54, 58.
Other voices in this conversation
